American Craft Beer is not a week – it’s an attitude

May 22, 8:48 AMBeer ExaminerCharlie Papazian

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One thousand signatures. That was the goal Los Angeles Blue Palms
Brewhouse owner Brian Lenzo set for his oversized copy of the
Declaration of Beer Independence when American Craft Beer Week
began on May 11.  Photo by Blake Hennon / Los Angeles Times

Beer independence has so far been declared by 10,657 beer enthusiasts.  The goal of 10,000 people signing the Declaration of Beer Independence by becoming a fan of American Craft Beer Week on Facebook, was reached mid day on May 17.

There are countless more individuals who signed the proclamation with their own signature at local events, businesses, beer and brewing events during the week. 

The numbers continue to grow.  American craft beer is not a week – it’s an attitude.  The Facebook fan site will remain active and encourage individuals to continue to declare their beer independence.  You can download a high resolution copy of the Declaration and print it out or have a poster size display in your shop, brewery, business or wherever craft beer from America’s small and independent brewers is sold or enjoyed. 

DECLARATION OF BEER INDEPENDENCE

I declare that these are historic times for beer with today’s beer lover having inalienable rights, among these life, liberty, and the pursuit of hops and malt fermented from the finest of U.S. small and independent craft brewers with more than 1,400 of them brewing today, and

I declare the beer I choose to enjoy is not a commodity, but more importantly an artistic creation of living liquid history made from passionate innovators. The beer I drink furthers our culture and teaches us geography and helps to nurture a sense of community, and helps to make the world a better place, and

I declare to practice the concept of ‘Informed Consumption’ which has me deserving to know if my beer comes from a small and independent brewer or if it is owned by a mass production brewing company. I want to know why so many of my local beer brands are not available in many of my favorite restaurants, bars and beer stores, and I encourage beer sellers to offer a wide selection of beer styles and beer brands that includes beer from my local and regional breweries, and

I declare American craft brewers provide flavorful and diverse American-made beers in more than 100 distinct styles that have made the United States the envy of every beer drinking nation for the quality and variety of beers brewed in America to such an extent that beer made by American craft brewers helps to reduce dependence on imported products and therefore contributes to balanced trade, and

I declare to champion the message of responsible enjoyment of craft beer, the beverage of moderation, as the makers of these beers produce libations of substance and soul that are sincere and authentic, and the enjoyment of them is about savoring the gastronomic qualities including flavor, aroma, body and mouthfeel while practicing responsible appreciation.

I therefore declare to support America’s small and independent craft brewers during American Craft Beer Week May 11-17, 2009 and beyond…
 

Photo above right:  Daniel Maerzluft submits this photo with Mountain Brewing Co. colleagues in West Virginia May 17 celebrating their Declaration of Beer Independence.